Golfing News & Blog Articles

Have you ever wondered why you score lower when playing golf alone? GOLF Teacher to Watch Alison Curdt shares five proven reasons why.

The post Playing golf alone? Instructor gives 5 reasons why you’ll play better appeared first on Golf.

Golf grips play a crucial role in a golfer's performance and comfort. The grip is the only part of the club that the player touches, and it significantly impacts the swing and control. Here are the main types of golf grips:

1. Rubber Grips

• Description: Made from natural or synthetic rubber, these grips offer durability, comfort, and a good balance of tackiness.
• Advantages: They provide a secure feel, are relatively inexpensive, and come in a variety of textures and firmness levels.

2. Corded Grips

• Description: These grips have embedded cord materials, which provide extra traction and are ideal for playing in wet conditions.
• Advantages: Excellent for moisture control, providing a firm grip even when wet. They are preferred by players with sweaty hands or those who play in humid climates.
• Disadvantages: Can be rough on the hands, causing discomfort for some players.

3. Wrap Grips

• Description: Designed to mimic the feel of leather wraps, these grips are made from synthetic materials and often have a tacky, soft feel.
• Advantages: They provide excellent comfort and a cushioned feel, ideal for players who prefer a softer grip.
• Disadvantages: They may wear out more quickly than other types of grips.

4. Hybrid Grips

• Description: Combining materials, typically rubber and cord, hybrid grips offer the benefits of both types.
• Advantages: Provide the soft feel and comfort of rubber with the added traction of cord in specific areas of the grip.
• Disadvantages: Can be more expensive than single-material grips.

5. Putter Grips

• Description: Specifically designed for putters, these grips come in various shapes and sizes, often larger than standard grips to minimize wrist movement during the stroke.
• Types:
  • Standard Putter Grips: Traditional size and shape, providing a classic feel.
  • Midsize and Oversize Putter Grips: Larger grips that help reduce wrist action and promote a more pendulum-like stroke.
  • Pistol Grips: Feature a flared, pistol-like shape at the top, providing a more ergonomic fit in the hands.
  • Flatso Grips: Have a flat front to help with alignment and consistency in putting strokes.

6. Arthritic Grips

• Description: These grips are designed for players with arthritis or hand pain, featuring a larger diameter and softer material.
• Advantages: Easier to hold and provide more comfort, reducing strain on the hands and fingers.

7. Oversized Grips

• Description: Larger in diameter than standard grips, often used by players with larger hands or those seeking more control.
• Advantages: Help reduce grip pressure, leading to a more relaxed and consistent swing. Can also reduce the effects of overactive hands and wrists.
• Disadvantages: May not be suitable for players with smaller hands, potentially affecting feel and control.

8. Undersized Grips

• Description: Smaller in diameter than standard grips, ideal for players with smaller hands.
• Advantages: Provide a better fit for smaller hands, allowing for more control and proper grip pressure.
• Disadvantages: Not suitable for players with larger hands, which can lead to excessive grip pressure and tension.

9. Textured Grips

• Description: These grips feature various textures and patterns to enhance grip and feel.
• Advantages: Provide additional traction and can improve grip confidence. Ideal for players who want a specific tactile feel.

10. Tapered vs. Non-Tapered Grips

• Tapered Grips: Gradually decrease in diameter from the butt end to the tip. Traditional design, providing a consistent feel.
• Non-Tapered Grips: Maintain a uniform diameter throughout. Can help promote even grip pressure and reduce tension in the hands.

Choosing the Right Golf Grip

• Hand Size: Choose a grip size that fits your hand comfortably. Larger hands may prefer oversize grips, while smaller hands may benefit from undersize grips.
• Climate: Consider the playing conditions. Corded or hybrid grips are excellent for wet or humid climates, while rubber grips may suffice in dry conditions.
• Feel and Comfort: Personal preference plays a significant role. Some players prefer softer, cushioned grips, while others might opt for firmer grips with more feedback.
• Swing Style: Your swing mechanics can influence grip choice. For example, players with a lot of hand action may benefit from larger grips to reduce wrist movement.

Experimenting with different grips and seeking professional advice from a club fitter can help you find the grip that best suits your game and enhances your performance.

Ludvig Aberg is nearing the end of his tenure as golf's perma-rookie, and a 36-hole Scottish Open lead reveals plenty about how it's gone.

The post 1 strange ‘law’ tells the story of Ludvig Aberg’s wild rookie year appeared first on Golf.

In May, Collin Morikawa called in an odd favor from TaylorMade. It appears to have helped him this week in Scotland.

The post How Collin Morikawa’s strange club request paid off in Scotland appeared first on Golf.

In this week's episode of GOLF's Subpar, pro looper Aaron Flener explains what it's like to caddie for a struggling golfer.

The post What’s it like looping for a struggling golfer? Caddie opens up appeared first on Golf.

I’ve written a lot about AI. In some ways, I think AI is helpful. In others, I’m convinced it’s doing more harm than good.

Because I’m still fascinated, and admittedly hopeful about AI being of benefit to more than just college students looking to cheat on a test, I decided I’d do a little more exploring of ChatGPT, the most well-known AI chatbot.

While exploring ChatGPT, I found out you can interact with other GPTs, custom versions of ChatGPT that are trained on different data and created for specific purposes. While doing so, I stumbled upon an AI golf coach GPT.

You see where this is heading. Can an AI golf coach provide helpful instruction or is it just a gimmick?

Analyzing My Swing

At the current time, ChatGPT doesn’t have the ability to analyze videos. It can, however, look at photos. So I sent the Golf Pro AI Golf Coach a picture of my backswing position and asked it what I was doing well and, more importantly, what I was doing wrong.

Looking to upgrade your shoe game this year? You’ve come to the right spot, because I’ve got a deal that is TOO GOOD to pass up. You read the title right, our best value spikeless shoe of 2024 is currently on sale.

Skechers regularly delivers on comfort for their casual and athletic sneakers, and the GO GOLF Max 3 spikeless shoe is no exception; scoring a 9.4/10 in our testing. Zappos currently has them discounted at 15% off the retail price.

Why We LOVED the GO GOLF Max 3

Comfort is King: The GO GOLF Max 3 is very comfortable thanks to the underfoot cushion and arch support.Locked in Traction: The GO GOLF Max 3 has some of the best spikeless traction we’ve experienced.Waterproof? Check. The GO GOLF Max 3 is backed by a one year waterproof warranty

A comfortable shoe with great traction and a waterproof warranty is a big win in the spikeless shoe department. At a price of $85 after the discount, you can’t go wrong with the GO GOLF Max 3.

The post The Best Value Spikeless Shoe of 2024 is on Sale NOW appeared first on MyGolfSpy.

Who is Ghost Golf?

Premium bags are nothing new. Ghost Golf, founded in 2022, started out as a “humble towel company,” according to founder Anand Nalla, with their patented magnetic towel as their first product. He had visions of something larger, however, which ultimately led to the birth of their Anyday golf bag. With an ever-expanding lineup, Ghost Golf looks to make a significant impact by providing premium quality products that have an elite level of attention to detail.

The Testing Opportunity

Our testers had the privilege of testing Ghost Golf’s Anyday bag. Feature-rich with incredible attention to detail, the Anyday boasts multiple cooler pockets, two velour-lined valuables pockets, a magnetic rangefinder pocket, large ball pocket with a removable and customizable panel and symmetrical styling to accommodate golfers who prefer to carry their clubs in either orientation. The Anyday is offered in both 14- and seven-way tops and with seven colorways. After being named the best premium stand bag in our 2024 testing, would it live up to the hype?

First Impressions

First impressions have a lasting impact on whether we will like the product. If a golf bag doesn’t look appealing, we most likely are passing it by. Would our testers be impressed with the Anyday bag or left wanting more?

Cnosil: “My initial impression of the bag was WOW this is nice; even my wife commented that the bag looked really nice. The overall quality of the bag is high and premium.”

Arodrig29: “It reminds me of one of those crazy expensive purses my wife has shown me at these Italian boutique stores. From the stitching to the incredibly soft exterior material, to the softest velvet I have ever laid my hands on, no detail was left undone.

The three favorite courses our writers played last month take us to northern Minnesota, New Hampshire and Prince Edward Island.

The post Minnesota, N.H., Prince Edward Island: 3 favorite courses we played last month appeared first on Golf.

Few golf brands and bags are more popular than Ping's Hoofer Stand Bag, which is a best-seller on Fairway Jockey. And for good reason.

The post A golf bag we love: the Ping Hoofer Stand Bag appeared first on Golf.

How to watch the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open on Friday, including full Friday TV coverage and streaming information for Round 2 in Scotland.

The post 2024 Genesis Scottish Open Friday TV coverage: How to watch Round 2 appeared first on Golf.

A year ago, Justin Thomas' European trip sent his career into a brief tailspin. Now he's back in Scotland and looking dangerous as ever.

The post Why Justin Thomas’ ‘p*ssed off’ 62 felt so important appeared first on Golf.

Pierceson Coody shot an 11-under 61 to take the first-round lead Thursday in the ISCO Championship, while Hayden Springer was three strokes back.

In the opening round of the Genesis Scottish Open, Ludvig Aberg hit a beautiful approach into the par-4 8th. The result, though, was ugly.

The post ‘Never seen it before’: Ludvig Aberg endures one of worst breaks imaginable appeared first on Golf.

Justin Thomas had eight birdies in his bogey-free round of 62 and leads the Scottish Open by one shot over Sungjae Im. Rory McIlroy had a 65 in his first tournament back since a crushing loss at the U.S. Open.

Charles Barkley once again drew significant betting action ahead of the American Century Championship, despite having extremely long odds to win.

Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand posted seven birdies in a 7-under 64 at the Evian Championship on Thursday to take a share of the first-round lead with Sweden's Ingrid Lindblad and Gemma Dryburgh of Scotland.

Golf is a sport known for its intense mental challenges, and even the best players in the world have experienced dramatic meltdowns on the course. Here are some of the most legendary golf meltdowns in history:

1. Greg Norman - 1996 Masters

• Event: The Masters
• Details: Greg Norman entered the final round of the 1996 Masters with a six-shot lead over Nick Faldo. However, he shot a disastrous 78 (+6) while Faldo shot 67 (-5), resulting in Norman losing by five strokes. This collapse is often cited as one of the most painful in golf history.

2. Jean Van de Velde - 1999 Open Championship

• Event: The Open Championship at Carnoustie
• Details: Jean Van de Velde needed only a double bogey on the final hole to win. After an array of poor decisions and unfortunate shots, including a trip into the Barry Burn, he triple-bogeyed the 18th hole and lost in a playoff to Paul Lawrie.

3. Adam Scott - 2012 Open Championship

• Event: The Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes
• Details: Adam Scott had a four-shot lead with four holes to play. However, he bogeyed each of the final four holes, allowing Ernie Els to win by one stroke.

4. Arnold Palmer - 1966 U.S. Open

• Event: U.S. Open at Olympic Club
• Details: Arnold Palmer had a seven-stroke lead with nine holes to play. However, he struggled on the back nine, allowing Billy Casper to catch up. Palmer lost in an 18-hole playoff the next day.

5. Rory McIlroy - 2011 Masters

• Event: The Masters
• Details: Rory McIlroy held a four-shot lead going into the final round but shot an 80 (+8) on Sunday, including a triple bogey on the 10th hole. He finished tied for 15th, 10 strokes behind the winner, Charl Schwartzel.

6. Jordan Spieth - 2016 Masters

• Event: The Masters
• Details: Jordan Spieth had a five-shot lead with nine holes to play. However, a disastrous quadruple-bogey 7 on the 12th hole led to him losing the lead. He finished three strokes behind winner Danny Willett.

7. Dustin Johnson - 2010 U.S. Open and PGA Championship

• Event: U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and PGA Championship at Whistling Straits
• Details: At the U.S. Open, Johnson had a three-shot lead entering the final round but shot an 82 (+11) to finish tied for 8th. Later that year, at the PGA Championship, he was penalized two strokes for grounding his club in a bunker on the final hole, missing the playoff by one stroke.

8. Tom Watson - 2009 Open Championship

• Event: The Open Championship at Turnberry
• Details: At 59 years old, Tom Watson needed a par on the 72nd hole to win. However, he bogeyed the hole and lost in a playoff to Stewart Cink.

9. Scott Hoch - 1989 Masters

• Event: The Masters
• Details: Scott Hoch missed a two-foot putt on the first playoff hole that would have won the tournament. Nick Faldo went on to win on the next hole.

10. Phil Mickelson - 2006 U.S. Open

• Event: U.S. Open at Winged Foot
• Details: Phil Mickelson needed a par on the 18th hole to win or a bogey to force a playoff. However, a series of poor shots led to a double bogey, and he finished one stroke behind winner Geoff Ogilvy.

Honorable Mentions

• Sergio Garcia - 2007 Open Championship: Garcia had a three-shot lead entering the final round but ultimately lost in a playoff to Padraig Harrington.
• Ed Sneed - 1979 Masters: Sneed bogeyed the final three holes and lost in a playoff to Fuzzy Zoeller.
• Doug Sanders - 1970 Open Championship: Sanders missed a short putt on the 18th hole, losing in a playoff to Jack Nicklaus.

These meltdowns are memorable not only for the heartbreak they caused the players involved but also for the dramatic shifts they created in the tournaments, making for some of the most compelling moments in golf history.

Rory McIlroy said it was 'definitely I think a surprise for everyone' that the U.S. Ryder Cup team had selected Keegan Bradley as its new captain.

After Vokey launched its wedge fitting app, you had to figure it was only a matter of time before Titleist would create something similar for the golf ball.

It was, and so here we are.

Titleist has just announced Version 1 (internally, it might be Version 1.32 or something like that but we can round down) of its ball-fitting app. As you would probably guess, the app is designed to fit golfers for Titleist golf balls and with that come both cool features and limitations.

About the Titleist ball-fitting app

At the risk of being exhaustingly specific, in its current state the app allows Titleist ball fitters with access to a Trackman launch monitor to effectively fit golfers for a premium Titleist golf ball off both grass and mats.

Let’s dissect that a bit.